Charcoal barbecue
Charcoal barbecuing is an art that combines conviviality, authentic flavors, and the pleasure of cooking outdoors . However, for a successful experience, it's not enough to simply throw charcoal into the firebox and place a few pieces of meat on top.
Mastering the fire, selecting the right ingredients and ensuring optimal cooking are essential elements to transform a simple meal into a true gastronomic celebration.
Discover our 6 essential tips for a perfectly mastered charcoal barbecue , according to the best practices of experts.
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Choosing the right charcoal barbecue is essential for successful grilling and fully enjoying the pleasure of a wood fire. At My Barbecue , we offer a wide selection of charcoal barbecues to suit all styles and needs.
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Our catalogue of modern barbecues
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1. Choose quality fuels
The success of a barbecue begins with choosing the right charcoal . Good fuel guarantees even combustion , consistent heat, and a unique flavor.
Which fuels should be preferred?
Purified charcoal : produces little smoke and provides stable heat.
Compressed briquettes : ideal for long cooking times, they burn slowly and ensure good heat distribution.
Avoid chemical firelighters (methylated spirits, gasoline), which can give an unpleasant taste to your food.
Opt for natural solutions to light the fire :
- Wood wool or wax cubes
- Crumpled newspaper
- Small pieces of dry wood in the shape of a teepee for optimal ventilation
2. Mastering how to light the barbecue
A good ignition guarantees a stress-free barbecue without excessive smoke.
Mastering the art of lighting a charcoal barbecue is essential for even cooking and authentic flavors. Here's the most effective method for lighting your barbecue easily and safely.
Preparing the home :
Place crumpled newspaper at the bottom of the firebox, then add dry kindling to help it catch fire. If you're using both charcoal and wood, start with the wood, as it will ignite more quickly.
Ignition :
Using a match or lighter, ignite the paper in several places. Allow the fire to spread naturally , gently blowing on it to encourage combustion.
Formation of embers :
Wait until the flames die down and the embers are glowing red, covered with a thin layer of whitish ash , a sign that the temperature is ideal for cooking.
Distribution of embers :
Spread them evenly for consistent heat, or create cooking zones with more coals on one side for searing meats and a gentler zone for vegetables and fish.
Grille installation :
Place it about 10 cm above the embers and wait a few moments for it to heat up slightly before placing your food on it.
My Barbecue tip :
If flames reappear during cooking, add a pinch of salt to calm the fire without affecting the cooking process.
3. Control the temperature and organize the cooking zones
The secret to mastering cooking lies in managing the embers and the heat.
Create temperature zones on the grid:
- Intense cooking zone (>200°C) : ideal for searing meats and grilling.
- Intermediate zone (150-200°C) : for gentle cooking of vegetables and kebabs.
- Cold zone : to keep food warm without cooking it further.
My Barbecue tips for controlling the temperature:
Gather more embers under the hot zone and spread them out for the warm zone.
Use the ventilation vents to modulate oxygenation and adjust the intensity of the fire.
4. Prepare and cook food to perfection
A good barbecue depends as much on the quality of the ingredients as on their preparation .
Meat selection
- Beef : ribeye, prime rib, thick steak (3-5 min per side depending on cooking).
- Pork : spare ribs, ribs, belly (15-20 min over medium heat).
- Chicken : drumsticks, skewers (10-12 min).
- Sausages and merguez : essential for barbecues.
The perfect grilled vegetables
- Courgettes, peppers, eggplants: brushed with olive oil and spices.
- Stuffed mushrooms: tasty and delicious.
- Toasted corn: crispy and slightly sweet.
Our tips for cooking your vegetables perfectly!
Enhance the flavors with marinades and smoking.
Marinades : marinate your meats for 12 hours in advance for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Add fruitwood chips (cherry, walnut) to the embers to flavor the grilled food.
5. Prioritize safety and optimize cooking space
Safety first! A barbecue must be properly installed to avoid any accidents.
Follow the essential precautions
Place the barbecue at least 3 meters away from buildings and vegetation.
Check the wind direction to avoid bothersome smoke.
Always keep the following on hand:
- heat-resistant gloves
- a fire extinguisher or bucket of water
- long tongs for handling food
Organize the cooking area
- Two grills : one hot for searing, one further away to finish cooking.
- Ideal height for food : 10 cm maximum from the embers for even cooking.
- Preheat vegetables and potatoes by steaming to save time.
6. Clean and maintain your barbecue for long-lasting use
A well-maintained barbecue guarantees healthy cooking and optimal performance .
Discover here the quantity of meat (per person) for a barbecue so as not to waste anything and to satisfy all your guests.
Good practices after each barbecue :
Clean the still-warm grill with a wire brush.
Empty the ashes once they have cooled.
Wash the inside of the barbecue with white vinegar and hot water.
My Barbecue tip :
To remove stubborn residue, rub the grill with lemon and baking soda .
So, ready to light the coals for your next barbecue?
Find our best charcoal barbecues and accessories on My Barbecue !